How to End 2020 with a Bang, Not a Whimper

We are officially in the fourth quarter—the home stretch of a calendar year that none of us could have predicted or planned for.

I’d be hard-pressed to name an emotion I’ve not felt in the past six months. And I wouldn't be at all surprised if you just nodded your head and murmured, "Same."

I’ve reimagined my year-end process to accommodate a year that’s been, well … unimaginable.

To date, 2020 has left some marks on me. I’ve got bruises and shadows I’ll carry for a while. But I have every intention of closing out this year on a high, optimistic note. I’ve reimagined my year-end process to accommodate a year that’s been, well … unimaginable.

I will reflect on my year-to-date with generosity extended to myself. I will infuse intention into my fourth quarter. I will redirect and redefine. It’s a process I’ve already begun and will continue to nurture through the end of the year.

If 2020 has left you uncertain, unsteady, or unlike yourself in some way, then today’s episode is for you. I’ll be sharing my closing-out process in progress, and I invite you to follow along. 

Look 2020 in the eye

If I told you I ran a mile in an hour, you might not be very impressed. But if I told you I did it with my ankles tied together, would your assessment of me change? I hope so.

2020 has been an ankles-tied-together kind of year. I plan to assess myself through that filter, and I urge you to do the same.

We’ve had a collective experience of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, unrest, loneliness, and unprecedented change.

Let yourself reflect on all that’s transpired this year. Whatever your personal situation, we’ve had a collective experience of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, unrest, loneliness, and unprecedented change.

Let a highlight-reel play in your mind. What shape has your 2020 taken? What obstacles came out of nowhere and stared you down? Because if you’re still standing, you’re already winning.

Find your bright spots

Now you’ve gone through the motion of setting the expectations-bar where it belongs. And it’s time to find your greatest hits of the year.

If you’re still standing, you’re already winning.

This is not the time to look back at goals set in January and mourn what didn’t get done. This is the time to celebrate the moments in which you showed up as you needed to. Perfection not required.

This self-reflection can be a collection of personal and professional successes. Where did 2020 throw you a challenge that you didn’t see...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips